Sumo Cyco – Opus Mar

It’s been 3 years since Sumo Cyco released their debut Lost in Cyco City & the break has served them well. Opus Mar (due for release 31st March) keeps their formula of punk crossed with funk & rap, yet adding more anthemic tracks with proper catchy choruses. For instance, the track Sleep Tight is not only a crowd pleaser live already, but the studio version is just as catchy. After 1 listen, if you’re not humming the chorus whilst doing housework or in the shower, I’ll be very surprised.

The opening track & lead single Anti-Anthem sets the album up perfectly for what to expect from this band.

The songwriting, as well as the the musicianship has been stepped up several notches. Crunchy riffage, mind melting bass & drums & Skye’s vocal delivery is just outstanding. This is an album that you can tell that the band had fun making. To get a guest artist such as Benji Webbe of Skindred to make an appearance, as well as co-write the track Move Mountains, is one hell of an endorsement.

It’s really difficult to pick out a track that stands more than the other. They’re all sublime. James ‘Lerock’ Loughrey has done an amazing job on the mix. Everything is placed perfectly. It would’ve been so easy to make this album incredibly bass heavy but Opus Mar is anything but.

This is not just an album. This is an experience. It’s akin to having your nether regions tickled.